ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Forest Preserve District commissioners have approved a small tax increase and higher fees for out-of-county residents.

The board voted 6-1 Thursday to approve a property tax levy that seeks $40,000 more in total property taxes next year. Officials say the owner of a $100,000 home would pay about $3 more to the district next year, with a total payment to the forest preserve of $36 next year.

Commissioner Cheryl Maggio voted against the increase.

“I don’t think that we should be asking taxpayers for more money,” she said. “We should try to streamline our expenses more.”

The actual amount a homeowner pays is based on how the value of a home changes. For example, if a $100,000 residence dropped in value by 6.9 percent — the total decrease across all property in Winnebago County before assessment challenges have been heard — the owner would pay the same amount in taxes to the district as this year.

The district voted unanimously to approve its $7.2 million budget.

Officials said they decided to increase fees for out-of-county residents on golf courses, shelters and other rental facilities as a means to reduce their dependence on property taxes. The district anticipates those increases raising $140,000 in revenue next year.

Les Adleman of South Beloit told commissioners that the district has good rates for golf, and raising them might prevent out-of-towners from using district courses.

“We may lose more revenue than what we would gain by raising the rates,” Adleman said. “Golfers that are from out-of-county actually help support our courses and keep our rates low because they’re contributing to our golf.”

The district also plans to increase rental rates on district-owned farmland, which officials say has been below market prices, and will explore sponsorships to help raise extra cash.

Commissioners also approved hiring a part-time grant writer to help the district search for new ways to pay for anything from capital improvements to programs to land acquisition.